The supermodel landscape has dramatically shifted. Today’s top earners are not just runway fixtures; they are brand builders, entrepreneurs, and social media moguls whose influence extends far beyond the fashion world. While official, annual lists from major publications can vary in their exact figures and publication dates, the recent trends and consistently high earners paint a clear picture of fashion’s financial elite.

The Reigning Top Earner: Kendall Jenner

For several years, Kendall Jenner has consistently topped the list of the world’s highest-paid models, with reported annual earnings often exceeding $40 million. Her success is a perfect illustration of the modern supermodel’s business model.

• Social Media Power: Jenner’s colossal following across social media platforms turns every campaign into a global event, making her an invaluable asset to brands.
• High-Profile Endorsements: She commands lucrative contracts with luxury houses and global brands, walking for the biggest names in fashion while representing major beauty and lifestyle products.
• Entrepreneurship: Her earnings are significantly boosted by her business ventures, notably her tequila brand, 818 Tequila, showcasing a move into diverse, highly profitable fields.

The Enduring Icons: Legends Still Earning Big

A number of veteran supermodels continue to command top-tier earnings, a testament to the power of a strong, established brand and diversified income streams.

• Gisele Bündchen: Despite retiring from the runway, the Brazilian legend remains one of the top earners, with reported earnings in the $30–33 million range. Her income is generated through long-term contracts, strategic endorsements, and her focus on wellness and sustainability advocacy. Bündchen holds the record for the highest annual earnings for a model, peaking at $47 million in 2014.
• Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: Moving beyond the runway, her earnings, often around $32 million, are driven heavily by her successful entrepreneurial ventures in the beauty and lifestyle space, alongside selective brand partnerships.
• Adriana Lima: One of the most iconic Victoria’s Secret Angels, Lima continues to be a high earner (around $30 million), proving that timeless appeal and a strong legacy can keep a model in the financial top tier well into their career.

The New Guard and Multi-Hyphenates

The rest of the top tier is rounded out by models who master the multi-hyphenate career path, blending modeling with acting, television, and influential personal brands.

• Cara Delevingne: The British model’s earnings (often around $31 million) are a result of her successful transition into acting, coupled with her continued high-profile modeling work.
• Bella Hadid: Cementing her status as a fashion “It Girl,” Bella has rapidly risen, with reported annual earnings in the $19–25 million range, thanks to major luxury brand endorsements and exclusive high-fashion runway appearances.
• Gigi Hadid: Bella’s sister maintains a strong position with high-profile brand collaborations and a versatile career spanning editorial and commercial work.
• Chrissy Teigen: Although she began as a model, her substantial reported earnings (around $39 million in some lists) are heavily influenced by her success as a television personality, author, and food entrepreneur.

The Global Power of Influence

The list of high earners also highlights the increasing globalization of the industry:

• Liu Wen: Often referred to as China’s first supermodel, her collaborations with global and regional brands solidify her position as a major earner, with estimated incomes in the $7–18 million range.
• Ashley Graham: A trailblazer for body positivity, Graham’s lucrative deals and powerful advocacy keep her among the top earners, showcasing the financial power of inclusivity in fashion.

In conclusion, the highest-paid models of today are less dependent on just catwalk fees and more on their personal brand equity. Their massive social media reach, strategic endorsements, and savvy entrepreneurial ventures are the true engines driving their multi-million dollar empires, signaling a definitive shift in what it means to be a “supermodel” in the 21st century.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Models in the World (Estimated Annual Earnings)

Rank	Model Name	Estimated Annual Earnings	Key Revenue Drivers
1	Kendall Jenner	$40 – $55 Million	High-fashion campaigns, massive social media endorsements, and her own tequila brand (818 Tequila).
2	Gisele Bündchen	$33 – $48 Million	Long-standing contracts with luxury and beauty brands (e.g., Chanel), business ventures, and royalties from past work.
3	Rosie Huntington-Whiteley	$32 Million	Modeling, acting, and her successful beauty brand and entrepreneurial endeavors.
4	Cara Delevingne	$22 – $31 Million	Modeling contracts, acting career (film and TV), and strategic brand partnerships.
5	Adriana Lima	$30 Million	Long-term endorsement deals, global campaigns, and her legacy as an iconic supermodel.
6	Bella Hadid	$19 – $42 Million	Luxury brand endorsements, high-profile fashion week exclusives, and collaborations.
7	Gigi Hadid	$9 – $30 Million	Major campaigns with global clothing brands, her own fashion line, and editorial work.
8	Liu Wen	$7 – $35 Million	Top Chinese supermodel, high-profile campaigns for global fashion and beauty brands, especially in the Asian market.
9	Joan Smalls	$6 – $19 Million	Consistent work with luxury brands, campaigns, and advocacy for diversity.
10	Doutzen Kroes	$6 Million	Selective beauty and lifestyle campaigns, maintaining a strong international profile.